Attorney General James Uthmeier Launches Investigation into Potassium Bromate in Florida’s Food Supply Chain

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a civil subpoena to General Mills, Inc. and General Mills Operations, LLC, as part of an investigation under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act into the supply chain of products containing potassium bromate sold in Florida.

"This investigation is about protecting Florida families and providing transparency to our consumers," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Floridians have a right to know what is in the food they buy and feed their children. We are investigating the supply chain for the presence of potassium bromate in products sold across our state, including any disclosures made to purchasers and research on its potential health effects."

Potassium bromate, used as a flour improver and dough conditioner in certain bakery flours, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." The chemical compound has been banned as a food additive in the European Union since 1990, Canada since 1994, China since 2005, India since 2016, and in Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, Peru, and numerous other countries due to health concerns, including evidence of tumors in animal studies.

The subpoena seeks comprehensive information on the company's bromated products reaching Florida consumers and schools.

The subpoena commands production of documents related to:

• All General Mills products containing potassium bromate sold to purchasers in Florida, including specific items such as Pillsbury Potentate High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Bakers Patent Flour, Gold Medal All Aces Bakery Flour, and Gold Medal Superlative Bakers Flour (50 lb bulk sacks).
• Top purchasers in Florida of these products for the years 2023 through 2026.
• Disclosures provided to purchasers of bromated products or downstream goods made from them.
• Research on the use of potassium bromate in General Mills products and its potential effects on human safety.
• Sales of these products to Florida schools (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade).

This action reinforces Attorney General Uthmeier's commitment to enforcing Florida's consumer protection laws, ensuring transparency in the food supply chain, and safeguarding public health from potential risks.

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